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John Abraham promises to play in NFC Championship game

Despite re-aggravating his ankle sprain against the Seahawks, John Abraham has promised to play in the NFC Championship game. (Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)

Despite his ankle sprain, the Falcons' defensive end John Abraham has vowed to play against the 49ers.

Abraham left Sunday's game against the Seahawks early after re-aggravating an ankle sprain. He originally injured his ankle in Week 17 against the Buccaneers when head coach Mike Smith chose to play his starters, despite having the No. 1 seed guaranteed.

Smith says his decision to keep Abraham out against the Seahawks after the defensive end re-injured it was a precautionary move. Abraham was limited in practice last week, and defensive coordinator Mike Nolan said Abraham was only at "80 percent" going into Sunday's game.

Despite having yet to play fully healthy in the post-season, Abraham has made it clear he intends to start against the 49ers.

“Oh yeah, you know me, you can’t keep me out of that game,” Abraham said, via the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.